You don't necessarily have to be the world's mega seller to be the most searched-for car brand, writes our Motoring Editor.

But it probably helps if your name is BMW, a new study suggests. Published by carwow.co.uk yesterday, it collated data on the most searched-for car brands in every country around the world using Google search volumes.

And BMW came out on top in 61 countries.

It had big numbers in Europe, Asia and in countries across Saharan Africa.

Overall, it just pipped Toyota to first place with the Japanese manufacturer taking the 'looked-up' lead in 56 countries (US, Canada, Australia, central Africa).

Hyundai was in pole position in 14 countries (Ireland) with Mercedes topping searches in eight (S. Africa). Volkswagen was tops in seven (Spain, Italy) with Chevrolet on five (Brazil).